Alex Rodriguez said Friday that he wants to immediately end his feud with the New York Yankees and suit up Friday night when they return home at Yankee Stadium. / Jeff Blake, USA TODAY Sports

by Bob Nightengale, Jorge L. Ortiz, USA TODAY Sports

by Bob Nightengale, Jorge L. Ortiz, USA TODAY Sports

The war of words and public posturing between the New York Yankees and sidelined third baseman Alex Rodriguez gave way to a level of civility Thursday, as the parties held a conference call to address how to deal with his quadriceps strain.

They decided on A-Rod continuing to do rehab and treatment through Wednesday, then if there are no setbacks, he would play either a rehab or simulated game on Aug. 1 and they would decide on activating him after that.

"If it was his choice, he would be out there Friday, but that wouldn't be responsible,'' Yankees general manager Brian Cashman told news reporters.

Rodriguez was supposed to return to the Yankees lineup on Monday, but the disputed thigh injury prompted the Yankees to keep him off the field. A-Rod contends there's no real injury and he sought a second opinion, which the Yankees claim he did without informing them, a violation of the collective bargaining agreement.

Rodriguez released a statement Thursday through his PR agency, saying, "I think the Yanks and I crossed signals. I don't want any more mix ups. I'm excited and ready to play and help this team win a championship.

"I feel great and I'm ready and want to be in the lineup Friday night.

"Enough doctors, let's play.''

Cashman refused comment when asked if the Yankees would discipline Rodriguez for the possible violation of the CBA. Newsday reported the team plans to pursue discipline, which would likely be a fine.

Rodriguez, a central focus of MLB's investigation into the Biogenesis clinic and its alleged distribution of performance-enhancing substances, has not played this season as he recovers from his second hip surgery in four years.

Despite speculation that the Yankees have no desire for A-Rod to ever wear pinstripes again and would rather collect insurance money on his contract, Cashman maintains the club wants him back in the lineup as soon as possible.